Global Tsunami warnings force airlines and airports to cancel flights

Tsunami warnings triggered by a massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Russia have forced airlines and airports around the globe to cancel flights and divert aircraft. 

According to the BBC, at around 05:00 (UTC) a four-foot wave reached the coast of the coast of Oahu in Hawaii as people on the island were told to evacuate to higher ground.  

The initial earthquake was registered off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, triggering Tsunami alerts around the Pacific Ocean.  

Japan, Hawaii, the US West Coast, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Chile and New Zealand were all thought to be at possible risk. 

In the face of uncertainty, both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines suspended flights to Hawaii.

With less than an hour to go, emergency announcements are being made at the Kahului airport. #tsunami #maui #hawaii pic.twitter.com/aaiAmi43e6— Laura Buchtel (@Laura_Buchtel) July 30, 2025 Before large waves began striking the area, Hawaiian Airlines said it was “monitoring a tsunami warning impacting” the Islands.  

In a social media post the airline said: “Guests with travel to, from or within the Hawaiian Islands should check the status of their flight before heading to the airport.” 

Alaska Air Group which owns Hawaiian Airlines said: “We are monitoring airport conditions with government agencies and could see operational impacts. A waiver is in place allowing guests to adjust their travel plans.”   

In Japan nearly two million people have been evacuated from at risk areas, and the country is bracing itself for possible waves up to nine feet high.  

According to the BBC, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said areas such as Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate have already experienced Tsunami waves. 

Huge waves reached the coastline of Hokkaido in Japan after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula https://t.co/uZy2bkYyKW pic.twitter.com/UlN6eToK7K— Reuters (@Reuters) July 30, 2025 Japanese news outlet TRAICY reported that Sendai Airport (SDJ) had closed its runway, leading to the cancellation of flights.  

All Nippon Airways (ANA) also announced it had cancelled flights to Kushiro, Hakodate, and Sendai. 

Japan Airlines, AIRDO and IBEX Airlines were also reported cancelling flights in response to Tsunami warnings. 

Taiwanese carriers EVA Airways, Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan also announced they were cancelling forthcoming flights to Sendai Airport.

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